Severe acute malnutrition has a devastating hold on millions of children worldwide, with many of them headed towards hospitalization and, worse, fatality. The major pain point in treating a condition like SAM is the clinical setting required to treat children affected by it. In most low-income countries where there aren’t enough facilities, children face dire consequences.
This is where RUTF comes in. It is a revolutionary treatment plan that treats malnourished children out of clinic settings and well within the comfort of their home, and improvement can be seen in as little as 8 weeks, dramatically reducing recovery time and revolutionizing the fight against SAM.
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- What is RUTF, and how does it work?
- 8-week recovery protocol
- RUTF vs traditional treatments
- Why is RUTF successful for kids with SAM?
- Nuflower RUTF
- FAQs
What is RUTF, and how does it work?
Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is a nutrient-dense paste specifically formulated for children between 6 and 59 months of age who are suffering from severe acute malnutrition. RUTF can be considered a complete meal in itself, delivering solid nutrition to children facing the adverse effects of SAM, providing them with all the necessary nutrients to recover and lead normal lives.
RUTF is a WHO-compliant treatment system made from a balanced formulation delivering maximum nutrition to children who need it. It contains
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- Peanut paste to provide essential fats and calories
- Milk powder for protein – facilitates tissue repair
- Vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, zinc, and iron – all the nutrients needed to make a child healthy
8-Week recovery protocol
When children consume RUTF regularly, their bodies respond positively. The high-energy-density nutrition from the RUTF facilitates rapid weight gain of 5-10 g per kilogram of body weight on a daily basis. The balanced micronutrients address deficiencies that compromise immunity, while quality proteins rebuild wasted muscle tissue.
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- Weeks 1-2: Stabilisation
- Weeks 3-5: Rapid Weight Gain
- Weeks 6-8: Final Recovery and Transition
Community-based management of acute malnutrition follows a structured timeline that transforms critically ill children into healthy, thriving individuals.
Why is RUTF successful for kids with SAM?
Shelf-stable: No refrigeration needed, ideal for remote areas.
Ready-to-use: Minimises risk of contamination during preparation.
Home-based treatment: Allows mothers to care for their children without long, costly hospital stays.
High recovery rates: Consistent use leads to rapid weight gain and clinical improvement.
Cost-effective: Significantly cheaper than inpatient care.
Read more
How Ready-to-Use Foods Are Shaping the Future of Infant Nutrition
Behind the Scenes: The Manufacturing Process of High-Quality RUTF and RUSF You Can Rely On
RUTF vs traditional treatments
| Aspect | Traditional Treatment | RUTF |
| Location | In a hospital/clinic | At home |
| Supervision | Continuous stay | Weekly check-ins by clinical workers |
| Cost Efficiency | High | Low |
| Recovery Rate | Medium | High |
| Accessibility | Limited | Very Accessible |
Nuflower RUTF – A leap in treating SAM
Children under 5 years of age and suffering from SAM need intervention in the form of RUTF. At Nuflower, every product reflects a deep commitment to quality, safety, and positive social impact. We support humanitarian organizations and nutrition programs with carefully formulated lipid-based nutrient supplements, ensuring each batch helps children at risk regain their vitality.
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FAQ
What makes RUTF more effective than traditional supplements, and how much does a child need?
RUTF provides a complete nutritional profile and doesn’t require cooking or water, making it safer and more efficient. Children need 150-200 kcal per kilogram of body weight, which translates to 2-4 sachets of 92g RUTF daily.
Can RUTF be used for moderate malnutrition?
While designed for SAM, some programs adapt RUTF for Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) under clinical supervision.
Is RUTF locally produced?
Yes. Many countries now produce RUTF locally to ensure cultural acceptance and sustainability. Nuflower, for instance, is a leading producer of RUTF in India and has the capabilities to export products to all countries of the world.
At Nuflower, we have witnessed how RUTF has redefined communities combating severe malnutrition. In 8 weeks, RUTF can rewrite the story of resilience and hope. With its proven impact and scalability, it represents the future of child nutrition programs worldwide.